Does your first paragraph do its job?

I recently saw there was a contest that invited you to send in the first paragraph of an original work. It’s called “Write Start” and it’s being sponsored by Paste and Bibliophile. Most authors struggle with those opening lines, because let’s face it. You only get one change to make a good impression and the first lines of a book are it. There’s lots of great writing tips to be found right here. We’re calling on aspiring and seasoned writers to submit a single opening paragraph—a collection of no more than 75 words—that leaves the reader intrigued and eager to know more. This won’t be any ordinary paragraph. It should hook the reader from the outset, be rich in description and remain unburdened by fatty detail or flowery prose. Don’t cram in too much information; the best entries will balance Read More…